I refer to your recent letter on behalf of Mr Michael Everson, Evertype, 15 Port Chaeimhghein Íochtarach, Baile Átha Cliath 2 who wrote to you about the plural forms of "euro" and "cent". I have already replied to Mr Everson explaining my position to him.

Mr Charlie McCreevy, TD, Minister for Finance has asked me to reply to your recent letter about the plural forms of "euro" and "cent". You also wrote to his colleague Mr Brian Cowen TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, about this matter.

I have noted the points Mr Everson makes about the use of "euros" and "cents" as plurals rather than "euro" and "cent". However, as Mr Everson mentions himself in his letter, the relevant EU Regulations use "euro" and "cent", and that usage has been followed in domestic law here and for official purposes. It has also generally been followed in public information, and in this context I would point out that the banknotes and coins also use "euro" and "cent".

The Minister has noted the points you make about the use of "euros" and "cents" as plurals rather than "euro" and "cent". However, as you mention yourself, the relevant EU Regulations use "euro" and "cent", and that usage has been followed in domestic law here and for official purposes. It has also generally been followed in public information, and in this context the Minister would point out that the banknotes and coins also use "euro" and "cent".

In view of these considerations, I would not propose to issue a statement along the lines Mr Everson suggests. I would however point out that I have specifically said on national radio that people are free to use "euros" and "cents" as plurals as they wish, and the Chairperson of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland has also done so on several occasions.

In view of these considerations, the Minister would not propose to issue a statement along the lines you suggest. He has however asked me to mention to you that he has specifically said on national radio that people are free to use "euros" and "cents" as plurals as they wish, and he understands that the Chairperson of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland has also done so on several occasions.

I am grateful for Mr Everson's compliments on the management of the euro changeover in Ireland and trust that what I have said above will clarify his position for him.

The Minister would like to thank you for your compliments on the management of the euro changeover in Ireland and trusts that what he has said above will clarify his position for you.